Right, the swelling is a bit of a wierd one because I think it's kind of two fold, on the one hand you have the immediate swelling that goes up and down depending on activity levels and stage of recovery. For example I swelled up like a balloon by the end of the day for about three weeks, my clothes would get tight as the day went on and by the evening I was leaping into my baggy pj bottoms, however at 8 weeks now I don't notice this swelling much.
The other swelling is much less obvious and has not fluctuated much at all, it is slowly going down (very slowly) but has affected my hips and thighs (I know it doesn't make any sense at all but it's true). Also you should know about kendoll which can be quite alarming, this is when your pubic area swells up and looks like action mans pants, if you get me, it does go away though. This answers your third question, which is WAIT before you buy anything new.
I went into the op a snug size 12 and am now a comfy size 14, it's sooooo frustrating I cant tell you, I havent gained any weight and have lost an inch around my waist but as I said before my hips and thighs are bigger. I'm told this goes down but it can take a while so hang on before you spend any money on new clothes. I was wearing jeans two weeks after the op, but size 14 and had to take them off by early evening because of the swelling. Of course everyone heals very differently and you may not experience the same things I did but it's helpful to have a frame of reference isn't it? Flower Smiley
Leaving the hospital I would advise you wear something loose, I wore a wrap over dress which was great because it was easy to put on, I didn't have to bend over or lift my arms or legs, everything will feel a bit tender at first. But whatever you choose make sure it's loose fitting and wont rub your inscision area.
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